Lot 76, Auction 4/20/2026: Early 20th C. Bamana Wood Figural Granary Door Lock

$845.00

In stock

West Africa, Mali, Bamana/Malinke peoples, ca. early to mid-20th century CE. A hand-carved wooden door lock of an anthropomorphic form with a horizontal slide bar inserted through the central body cavity. Thinly incised striations decorate the front of the vertical lock body, and the abstract head bears an enormous chin beneath a pair of projecting horns. Thick, dark layers of patina have formed across this tool and imbue it with an attractive presentation. Known as ta koguru, such bolt locks are found in both Bamana and Dogon societies in various styles. They were traditionally used to secure wooden granary doors and often served as symbolic bridal gifts. Size: 13.5″ W x 18.3″ H (34.3 cm x 46.5 cm); 21.4″ H (54.4 cm) on included custom stand.

Condition: Losses to areas of both sides and back of lock bar as shown. Slight bending and fissures to metal plate atop lock bar, with abrasions and nicks to vertical body and head, smooth encrustations, and softening to some finer details. Nice patina and remains of pigment throughout.

Provenance: private Atlanta, Georgia, USA collection, acquired in August 2020; ex-Artemis Gallery, Louisville, Colorado, USA; ex-private Ft. Lauderdale, Florida, USA collection; ex-Artemis Gallery; ex-private old New England, USA collection, acquired in the 1970s; ex-Dr. Peter Horvath collection, Massachusetts and Florida, USA

All items legal to buy/sell under U.S. Statute covering cultural patrimony Code 2600, CHAPTER 14, and are guaranteed to be as described or your money back.

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